1shauna1

I can't do gummies anymore! I have the Caltrate Soft Chews. They come in three flavours. You only need one per day and they are 14 calories. They taste good too!

I have felt many of the emotions you mentioned. I remember what it was like being slim, and how at the time I worried about my weight (stupidly)....I know that I most likely won't get back there (can I get my 18 year old body back at 40 after being overweight most of those 22 years? I dunno). I have told my friends and they are incredibly supportive but I do hesitate to mention it to people at work (I started my job after being banded so none of them know I had a surgery or anything)....not sure of their reactions....but do I really care? I did this for myself and my future, no one else. I know the people who support me and am very grateful for them. But I worry about negative reactions too. I too remember all the times my ex made remarks about my weight (he was a jerk in other ways, but I still remember him saying he didn't want to date someone with bigger arms than him....maybe that is HIS issue!). Just remember you did this for you and your family! It will be worth it!

I have issues with chicken (white meat especially) and steak. Some people just can't tolerate certain foods after banding even though we are "supposed" to be able to eat anything.

I had a hernia repair also....I don't know if it makes recovery longer, but that would make sense....you're now recovering from 2 things instead of one. Take it easy at work and don't lift heavy objects.

Hopefully it was just a one time issue. I've never had an issue with it (but I don't have a problem with needles also)....she just sticks it in then injects it. Were you standing up or laying down? Maybe try the other position. Hope you don't have an issue!

For me it doesn't feel like choking. But I can feel it sitting there, and there is pressure. Sometimes that pressure builds and I know it has to come out. Other times the pressure eases and I know it's passing.

I have had two unfills in the past 1.5 years. I've also had fills after them. I don't know why sometimes it gets too tight and other times it seems like there's no restriction. Live with this level for a couple of weeks and if you're too loose, then go back for a small fill. I'm also like Jennifer, my levels have been all over the place. I can't eat solids in the mornings anymore really; even some liquids give me issues. But then I still have evenings where I can eat twice as much as I'm supposed to so....who knows, I blame my fickle band!! (not me!! )

And I'm sorry rae; I hope that comment didn't come off as harsh or flippant. As you are new to this these are important things to think about. But I would think it would take a lot more than eating a couple of eggs to stretch a pouch. Deep breaths.....you are doing good!

This makes me sad, you are not a failure. I have told my friends and family....I have been banded 1.5 years and I'm down 32 lbs only. So....maybe they are thinking I am a failure too because I should have lost more. But everyone has their struggles....the good thing is you know what you have done (bad habits creeping back in) and what you should do (eating right; maybe you need a fill?). Don't feel like a failure, get back on that horse and win this race again!

Geez, I wish everyone would not freak out about stretching their pouch! You are fine. That is what restriction is. If you ate too fast you would know it. I wish I could eat eggs, they seem to give me difficulty but I keep trying...

As xavier said! The more restriction you get, the more you have to watch how you eat. Even take smaller bites (like cut meats to the size of a blueberry). And it's not really "throwing up" like you do when you're sick. If you notice what comes up it's just the food, and usually some slime which is saliva. You could try the papaya enzyme pills to help if you get stuck, find them in the vitamin section.

If you never felt restriction from your fills perhaps there is an issue with your band? Maybe a leak? I would go see your doctor, tell them what you have told us. Don't give up!

If you don't want different, unsolicited opinions, you probably shouldn't post on an open message board. JMHO.

Okay, my ticker is from my fitness pal also. When you go in, go to "your profile". Then you should see your profile and it will also show your ticker. Underneath that ticker there should be a link "add to your site". click it. Then there should be two options, BBCode or HTML. You want the BB Code (it says for forum signatures, which is what this is). Yes, make sure your code has this first line: And this part also: Created by MyFitnessPal.com - Nutrition Facts For Foods

I liked that I didn't have to alter my anatomy. Either way I would be self pay because none is really covered in Canada (maybe bypass if you have health issues also, but I didn't/don't). If there is an issue it can be removed and your stomach is still there. I have had issues with being stuck, and obviously the first time is the worst. Now I feel I am old hat at it, it's not the end of the world, and it's usually my fault (because I'm not paying attention to how I am supposed to be eating). Do your research, talk to doctors (see multiple docs if you feel the need)....when you have your information you will be able to make an informed decision!

Sorry, I don't know what to do about those links! Do you have a Photobucket account? Very easy to set up....then choose the picture option that starts [img and copy and paste here, but change the IMG to lower case (at the beginning and end of the link). Let us know if you get it to work!

sliders are foods that pass the band easily and generally they are not too healthy, like ice cream, potato chips, cookies, etc.

Sliders are foods you can eat easily (and generally aren't too healthy for you, such as ice cream, potato chips, cookies, etc.). Could it be you are still maybe eating too large of a portion? Keep your meals to a cup maximum. If you have the good restriction then this should keep you full for several hours.

I'm not sure it's something I would try.... I read the FDA is trying to get it banned so I don't think it could be too good for you. However, I hope you have success, however you do it!

Good luck! I was outpatient and went home a few hours after surgery. Do what your doctor says and do take it easy the first few days. Take your pain pills! Follow your eating rules. Expect the gas....many people get it in their chest/shoulder. Gas X strips are great and you can easily take them after surgery. Stock up on your clear liquids for your first few days. Let your family wait on you!

Well, you could eat a bit more, just healthy stuff! Chow down on all the fruits and veggies (and even lean meats, if there are some you can't eat while banded) that give you issues when your band is tight! I would love to dive into some grapes and cherries, and a big veggie stir fry with lots of bean sprouts (whcih are now my nemesis) as weird as that sounds!

It's not....I understand the gossipy co workers. Well, when you come back and start eating small portions, they will know you are watching what you eat. You don't have to tell them, just say you are watching your portion sizes and eating healthy (which will be true!) and also exercising. I was lucky in that I had my surgery after I finished a college course but before I got my current job. So I didn't have to explain to work why I needed time off.

No, I haven't but it's too bad. I'm afraid if my band was emptied I'd go nuts eating too much as I did before. I guess for you right now it'll take more on your part to make it work until you get good restriction again. I hope you do soon!

I find white poultry often to be too dry as well. Without the skin, the dark meat is just as good but it tends to stay more moist because it has a bit more fat in it (honestly, it's more tasty also). I didn't find anything wrong with 54Shirley's recommendations except she seems a bit lax on the veggies. We are supposed to eat our protein, then veggies, then if we can a bit of starches. However, I admit myself I don't eat enough veggies or fruit because for me they are difficult, but I'm looking for other ways to get them in. As also stated, fruits with skins can be tough too. Follow your doc's recommendations for the stages after your surgery and I'm sure you'll do great!